Check out Jelly Telly

Sesame Street meets VeggieTales meets Monty Python.

Nov 18th, 2008 | By Skye Jethani | Category: Faith, Family, Features

Phil Vischer is a member of my church and a friend. Back in 1990 he created VeggieTales and Big Idea Productions. The compelling story behind the rise and demise of Phil’s veggie empire it recounted in his book, Me, Myself, and Bob. In his post-Big Idea years, Phil has been quietly working with a small team, including another good friend who is also responsible for creating my blog–Tim Johnson, on a new project for kids.

Phil created Jellyfish Labs to be his creative outlet, and a few weeks ago they launched the beta version of a new online network for children called Jelly Telly. The site features games and TV shows for kids that, like VeggieTales, contain redemptive spiritual lessons. But Phil’s new project differs from VeggieTales in a number of important ways. First, unlike the direct-to-video format of VeggieTales, Jelly Telly is an internet based television network. It’s updated everyday with new content and shows.

The other immediately obvious difference is that Jelly Telly features puppets. Yes, you read that correctly–puppets!

This would appear to be a step backwards for Phil who was an earlier pioneer in CG animation with his troop of Protestant produce. I mean, aren’t puppets so ’70s? Think again. Phil has integrated puppets with CG animation and backgrounds to give Jelly Telly a unique look at a fraction of the production costs. And the savings are past on to families who can subscribe to JT for just $2.99 per month.

Another unique feature of Jelly Telly is Phil’s desire to showcase up and coming Christian talent–filmmakers, songwriters, story tellers, and animators. On Jelly Telly you’ll find some really creative people like the Fabulous Bentley Brothers (below)who sing hysterical songs for each book of the Bible. Of course, there is plenty of Phil’s own Monty Python-esque humor via segments like Pirate Etiqquite with Captain Pete.